PM2.5 emissions—fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers—have significant adverse health impacts, especially on vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Impact on Children
- Respiratory Issues: Children exposed to PM2.5 are at higher risk of developing asthma and experience worsened severity of asthma attacks. Exposure can also lead to slowed lung function growth during childhood and adolescence.
- Increased Hospital Admissions: There is a higher rate of hospital admissions and emergency department visits for asthma among children during periods of elevated PM2.5 pollution.
- Developmental and Birth Outcomes: Pregnant women exposed to PM2.5 face increased risks of adverse birth outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight, which indirectly affects infants’ health and mortality.
- Increased Infant Mortality: Short-term increases in particle pollution are linked with increased mortality rates in infants.
Impact on Elderly Populations
- Cardiopulmonary Disease: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 significantly increases the risk of cardiopulmonary problems in the elderly, including ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These populations show higher morbidity and mortality associated with lung and heart conditions.
- Increased Mortality: The elderly are particularly susceptible to premature death caused by exposure to PM2.5, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung diseases.
- Hospitalizations: Elevated PM2.5 levels correlate with increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory illnesses among older adults.
- Compromised Lung Function: PM2.5 exposure exacerbates lung function decline in elderly individuals, increasing susceptibility to respiratory inflammation and infections.
General Health Effects of PM2.5 Relevant to Both Groups
- PM2.5 contributes to increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and neurological effects such as cognitive decline and dementia, which can affect elderly individuals and have long-term impacts on children’s health.
- People living near emission sources or with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk, with children and elderly being particularly vulnerable.
In summary, PM2.5 emissions disproportionately harm children by impairing lung development, exacerbating asthma, and increasing infant mortality, while elderly populations face elevated risks of cardiopulmonary diseases, hospitalizations, and premature death due to weakened respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-pm2-5-emissions-impact-children-and-elderly-populations/
